No Free tows from R.N.L.I. ?

[Capt Popeye]

The main points of the amended policy are as follows:

Firstly, a lifeboat will no longer be tasked specifically to provide a tow to a broken down vessel; instead, it will will be tasked to a vessel in distress. What happens when it gets there is down to a discussion between the coxswain/helm and the skipper. In nearly every case, the lifeboat will then take the vessel under tow.
You might think that this is just a matter of semantics; I couldn't possibly comment, but apparently it is important, as it concerns the RNLI's relationship with the MCA, as technically the RNLI is only authorised to act as a lifesaving service.

If there is a suitable alternative vessel that can provide the tow instead, then a lifeboat wouldn't even get tasked.

Secondly, the tow will only be to the nearest safe haven. This has actually been the policy for as long as I can remember, but it hasn't been very strictly enforced. Once again, the definition of a suitable destination will be the result of a discussion between the coxswain/helm and the skipper, but would include consideration of type of vessel, weather forecast, condition and capabilities of the occupants etc

One of the reasons for this change has been that lifeboats have got involved in some situations that they shouldn't, resulting in serious injuries to crew, and damage to lifeboats. Although obviously, if a lifeboat is required to hold a large casualty off a lee shore until more suitable help arrives, then that will still happen. On which note, you'd be surprised how well an Atlantic RIB can tow an 1100 ton aggregate barge.

Allegedly,,,,,

Yea well your 'RNLI Insider Information 'statement I find that it does not hold water, at all

For a start- it cannot be determind , often, from early stages in a Pan Pan or May Day wether the task will be one of assistance or rescue ; a delayed response as its decided that its just a Broken Down Boat can often turn into a emergency response required as weather, tides, winds, sickness etc etc boat condition can change, often for the worse, quite quickly, and dramatically.

So a early /quick response will enable the earlyest arrival time which gives the most available thinking and assesing time possible.

For what at the outset would have been a simple straight forward tow ing task, could easily change into something far more dangerous; all for the want of responding promptly to a call out; the money counters and Wokes must be very pleased with themselves, eh ?

 

[PhillM]

In the Solent the CG often request tows from boats in the vicinity. Also, if you have just broken down, they will task Sea Start who charge for the call out and an annual membership.

 

[Kelpie]

Did you discover what made the bystander think it was adrift?

I think it was just a wind shift. According to the plotter it had moved 8m from where it was last time I'd had the instruments on. Pretty eagle eyed onlooker, shame they didn't watch it for a little longer to establish that it wasn't continuing to move.

 

[Juan Twothree]

Ridiculous if you ask me, I've paid 100's in donations over the past 10years into the local lifeboat station and now they tell me i dont qualify for a tow if i have engine failure out at sea. No good taking me to the closest safe haven as where i fish is 3 miles down the coast from where i launch and the closest safe haven would be a complete different harbour from where my car and trailer is!

They are complaining about being used as a towing service...What about the FREE recovery service they send out for the illegals? Thats ok is it? But for a guy that has donated to them, I will be refused?

If there are no other suitable boats, or there is any doubt about the safety aspect of a situation then you will get a lifeboat. Simple as that.

As I said earlier, the ultimate destination of the tow will be down to a discussion between the coxswain/helm and the skipper.

3 miles is nothing in the great scheme of things, but I'm far more likely to tow someone those extra 3 miles if they appear friendly and grateful to the lifeboat crew who have given up their free time to come and help them.

Anyone who goes Full Gammon on us and starts banging on about why the RNLI should leave illegal immigrants to drown is going to get a slightly less sympathetic response.

And no, I'm not a woke leftie tree-hugging bed-wetter before anyone starts; I'm a fully paid-up Daily Telegraph subscriber! But one with an ounce or two of compassion for fellow humans.

 

[penfold]

Anyone who goes Full Gammon and starts banging on about why the RNLI should leave illegal immigrants to drown is going to get a slightly less sympathetic response.

And no, I'm not a woke leftie tree-hugging bed-wetter before anyone starts; I'm a fully paid-up Daily Telegraph subscriber! But one with an ounce or two of compassion for fellow humans.

Reassuring to know; for non-comprendos it's against the law(SOLAS) to leave people to drown, you could be gaoled and professional mariners could also be relieved of their qualifications.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Ridiculous if you ask me, I've paid 100's in donations over the past 10years into the local lifeboat station and now they tell me i dont qualify for a tow if i have engine failure out at sea. No good taking me to the closest safe haven as where i fish is 3 miles down the coast from where i launch and the closest safe haven would be a complete different harbour from where my car and trailer is!

The horror. Maybe you should withold the cost of a three mile taxi ride (a fiver?) from your next donation. That'll show 'em.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Yea well your 'RNLI Insider Information 'statement I find that it does not hold water, at all

For a start- it cannot be determind , often, from early stages in a Pan Pan or May Day wether the task will be one of assistance or rescue ; a delayed response as its decided that its just a Broken Down Boat can often turn into a emergency response required as weather, tides, winds, sickness etc etc boat condition can change, often for the worse, quite quickly, and dramatically.

So a early /quick response will enable the earlyest arrival time which gives the most available thinking and assesing time possible.

You realise that's just what he said, don't you?

For what at the outset would have been a simple straight forward tow ing task, could easily change into something far more dangerous; all for the want of responding promptly to a call out; the money counters and Wokes must be very pleased with themselves, eh ?

Or maybe not.

 

[MystyBlue2]

If there are no other suitable boats, or there is any doubt about the safety aspect of a situation then you will get a lifeboat. Simple as that.

As I said earlier, the ultimate destination of the tow will be down to a discussion between the coxswain/helm and the skipper.

3 miles is nothing in the great scheme of things, but I'm far more likely to tow someone those extra 3 miles if they appear friendly and grateful to the lifeboat crew who have given up their free time to come and help them.

Anyone who goes Full Gammon on us and starts banging on about why the RNLI should leave illegal immigrants to drown is going to get a slightly less sympathetic response.

And no, I'm not a woke leftie tree-hugging bed-wetter before anyone starts; I'm a fully paid-up Daily Telegraph subscriber! But one with an ounce or two of compassion for fellow humans.

I wasn't banging on "Full Gammon" i was simply stating a valid point. Can you deny it?

At the end of the day they are ILLEGALS! I am fully fledged LEGAL and I'm then one to be told "Sorry we cant offer you a tow" after 100's spent, keyrings, Stickers, Pens etc, And in donations and never missed a lifeboat day since i was under 10years of age! I have nothing but huge respect for the RNLI and the volunteers but if i am no longer going to be accepted for a tow when im in desperate need then i feel i will be sadly withdrawing my donations.

 

[MystyBlue2]

The horror. Maybe you should withold the cost of a three mile taxi ride (a fiver?) from your next donation. That'll show 'em.

And how would you know how much I've donated? I dare not think. Not that i need to explain to anyone but its more than i would like to think about. Monthly direct debits plus memorabilia and gifts. It all adds up to a substantial amount over 10 years i can tell you!

 

[Gary Fox]

I wasn't banging on "Full Gammon" i was simply stating a valid point. Can you deny it?

At the end of the day they are ILLEGALS! I am fully fledged LEGAL and I'm then one to be told "Sorry we cant offer you a tow" after 100's spent, keyrings, Stickers, Pens etc, And in donations and never missed a lifeboat day since i was under 10years of age! I have nothing but huge respect for the RNLI and the volunteers but if i am no longer going to be accepted for a tow when im in desperate need then i feel i will be sadly withdrawing my donations.

Nobody has said you won't be towed if the word 'desperate' applies. 'Juan' (an RNLI volunteer) wrote above that if there is zero danger, as agreed, on scene, between the RNLI cox and the yacht skipper then a commercial or other towing vessel will be sought, in preference to the lifeboat.

 

[MystyBlue2]

Nobody has said you won't be towed if the word 'desperate' applies. 'Juan' (an RNLI volunteer) wrote above that if there is zero danger, as agreed, on scene, between the RNLI cox and the yacht skipper then a commercial or other towing vessel will be sought, in preference to the lifeboat.

But there will be 100% danger if they refuse and i end up in Norway!

And for this "Agreement" Lets guess...MONEY?

So you can only be rescued if you have a wallet full of cash onboard? TYPICAL.

 

[pvb]

But there will be 100% danger if they refuse and i end up in Norway!

Could be worse, you might end up in Scotland!

 

[JumbleDuck]

And how would you know how much I've donated? I dare not think. Not that i need to explain to anyone but its more than i would like to think about. Monthly direct debits plus memorabilia and gifts. It all adds up to a substantial amount over 10 years i can tell you!

The RNLI is not a subscription service. Perhaps it would be better to spend some of your money on having your engine serviced?

 

[MystyBlue2]

The RNLI is not a subscription service. Perhaps it would be better to spend some of your money on having your engine serviced?

I'm definitely paying a subscription! Il dig out the info and post. I've been paying that sub for 18 months and before that it was at the local station.

 

[MystyBlue2]

The RNLI is not a subscription service. Perhaps it would be better to spend some of your money on having your engine serviced?

Oh dont you look a fool! Here you go from the RNLI website!

If you are going to patronise folk, Please make sure you know you are 100% correct before hand

 

[Boathook]

Oh dont you look a fool! Here you go from the RNLI website!

If you are going to patronise folk, Please make sure you know you are 100% correct before hand

You don't have to pay or donate anything to the RNLI to make use of their service. A subscription service is where you pay an amount, normally monthly to get a service normally behind a 'paywall', something such as certain TV channels. One that comes to mind is BT TV.
I think / hope that I have explained it correctly.

 

[MystyBlue2]

You don't have to pay or donate anything to the RNLI to make use of their service. A subscription service is where you pay an amount, normally monthly to get a service normally behind a 'paywall', something such as certain TV channels. One that comes to mind is BT TV.
I think / hope that I have explained it correctly.

I am paying my donations via direct debit. This is possible and i have been doing for 18 months now and was direct to local lifeboat station before that. I make donations for a few reasons. Not just to get something out of it.

Love it when folk are so patronising and they turn out to be wrong. I dont know why people feel the need to be so patronising and Condescending.

 

[Juan Twothree]

At the end of the day they are ILLEGALS! I am fully fledged LEGAL

I am paying my donations via direct debit. This is possible and i have been doing for 18 months now and was direct to local lifeboat station before that. I make donations for a few reasons. Not just to get something out of it.

And previous banter aside, as a volunteer can I just say a heartfelt thank you to you, and everyone else , who donates.

 

[MystyBlue2]

And previous banter aside, as a volunteer can I just say a heartfelt thank you to you, and everyone else , who donates.

Your very welcome! Thank you for being there, And for the fantastic work you do!

 

[JumbleDuck]

I am paying my donations via direct debit. This is possible and i have been doing for 18 months now and was direct to local lifeboat station before that. I make donations for a few reasons. Not just to get something out of it.

And yet you seem to think you are entitled to a priority service because of the amount you pay. It doesn't work like that.

Love it when folk are so patronising and they turn out to be wrong. I dont know why people feel the need to be so patronising and Condescending.

The RNLI is not a subscription service, as Boathook explained above. You can donate regularly if you want but it doesn't make the slightest difference to the service you get, and you will just have to put up with the possibility that they may be saving the lives of "illegals" and be unavailable to tow you home when your engine conks out.